Hanging scaffold support bracket

ABSTRACT

A bracket to attach a scaffold support to a vertically oriented stud is disclosed in one aspect of the invention as including a backing member to contact the back surface of a stud; a pair of side members rigidly connected to the backing member and extending along the sides of the stud beyond the front surface of the stud; a connection mechanism to attach the scaffold support to the side members; and a fastening mechanism to attach the bracket to the stud. In certain embodiments, the fastening mechanism includes offset flanges extending from the side members in substantially opposite directions to preclude interference between fasteners passing through the flanges.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/069,860 filed on Mar. 1, 2005, and entitledHANGING SCAFFOLD SUPPORT, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No.6,886,662 B2 issued May 3, 2005 to Riley and entitled HANGING SCAFFOLDSUPPORT. This application also claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/652,013 filed on Feb. 10, 2005, andentitled BRACKET FOR HANGING SCAFFOLD SYSTEM.

BACKGROUND

1. The Field of the Invention

This invention relates to supporting structures for use duringconstruction, and more particularly to novel systems and methods forsupporting decking for workmen above ground level in residential orother construction projects similar in nature.

2. The Background Art

Scaffolding has long been of both utility and concern in construction.In many state and federal regulations, detailed specifications ofrequirements apply to “riggers,” their equipment, and their craft.Scaffolding may be thought of as structures undergirding decking forsupporting materiel, workmen, tools, and the like, above or below acommon surface.

For example, a workman may stand on the ground while laying brick,working on certain woodwork, while wiring, and so forth. In constructionof large, multi-storied buildings, special decking may be laidspecifically for use during construction. Many feet above ground level,scaffolding built from the ground up becomes impractical. However,scaffolding may be used within a few stories' distance of the ground.

Scaffolding presents several problems. To provide proper structuralstrength, scaffolding is typically quite heavy. Moreover, special riggerlicensing may be required for installation and use of scaffolding. Inresidential construction, the commitment of time and manpower forsetting up and taking down scaffolding support may represent asubstantial fraction of the task for which such scaffolding is set up inthe first place.

Ladders are limited in their utility. Ladders must be moved frequently.Ladders may not be positionable readily both inside and outside theenvelope of a building at all stages of construction where scaffoldingmay be useful or required. The weight, bulk, manpower, lack offlexibility in application, awkwardness in working indoors or insemi-finished areas, and the like add to the difficulty and expense ofusing conventional scaffolding.

What is needed is a simplified system for supporting workmen, tools, andmaterials, at a distance above ground level suitable to facilitateseveral common tasks. For example, decking suitable for working near atop plate of a residential construction wall is necessary. A support fordecking positionable to support a workman installing soffits, fascia,installing trusses, and working on other projects that cannot readily bereached from the ground, is needed.

A support system is needed that is easily portable. A system that can beset up and taken down in a minimum amount of time, while occupying aminimum of space during storage and transport is needed. Such a systemshould also provide a means to resist theft given its ease of removaland portability. The system should also be capable of extending over asubstantial working area upon deployment as needed. Likewise needed is asystem that can be set up by a single workman and easily lowered to theground when finished. Adjustability in height, length, distance from abearing wall, and the like are preferable.

Preferably, such a system can hang from a top plate of a wall. It shouldadjust to a variety of widths of top plates. Simple removal from the topplate after closure of soffits, sheathing, Frieze blocks, and the likeabout walls and ceilings would be very useful. It would be of furtherutility to provide a system that is adjustable to accommodate a varietyof top plate widths while at the same time not having an adjustmentmember that will not interfere with structures that may be present nearthe top plate. Such a system should also be positionable to rest on atop plate despite Frieze blocks, which are typically positioned betweeneaves and a top plate, leaving limited space to insert any supportstructure for a scaffold or the like.

A system is needed that does not require significant penetrations into astructure, and which can be used on both interior and exterior to abearing wall of a house or other structure. A system that could be usedeven when a building in initial stages of framing, and yet during stagesof semi-finished condition inside or outside a wall, would bebeneficial. A system is needed that is easily operable (e.g. adjustable,carriable, deployable, etc.) with a single hand, or by a single user.

What is needed is a deck or scaffold support that can be climbed readilyby some support mechanism in order to quicky adjust the height of adeck. A system that is fail safe, by virtue of, for example, beingnon-separable during adjustment, does not require multiple hands oradjustment, does not require precision alignments by a user, does notrequire eyes of a user to be located in a difficult position foradjustment, and does not require dismantling or removal in order to beadjusted, would be extremely efficient.

A system that provides for plank positioning close to and distanced froma wall, selectively at the choice of a user is needed. Such a systemshould be able to prevent tilting and twisting of the planksubstantially regardless of the position or size of the plank. A systemthat can be folded down for ready-storage and transport with a minimumof fitting and assembly for use would be extremely handy and present anefficient use of manpower.

A deck or scaffold support is needed that provides simple adjustment ofdeck positions vertically and operational adjustment horizontally. Theability to work on open walls comprised merely of studs, or to work onclosed walls, such as buildings being remodeled, by taking advantage ofopenings for windows, and even perhaps to work on partially or fullycovered walls, such as sided or bricked walls, would be preferred.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus and method are disclosed generally describing a scaffoldsupport having a leg extending in a more-or-less vertical or uprightdirection and provided with a lateral foot extendable therefrom. Thelateral foot may be connected to the leg by a climber mechanism thatsupports the foot in operation, while simply and safely disengaging andreadjusting the height of the foot along the leg. A working surface,such as a broad plank, or the like, may rest on the lateral feet of twoor more scaffold supports to support a worker during construction of abuilding.

A hanger may secure the scaffold support to a wall or window sill. Alateral beam may project from the leg and rest on a support structure,such as the top surface or top plate of a wall or a window sill, duringoperation of the scaffold support. A stop may secure to the lateral beamand capture a supporting structure (e.g. wall) between the stop and theleg to prevent accidental slipping or release of the lateral beam from asupport structure.

Both the leg and the stop may secure to the lateral beam at multiplepositions along the lateral beam to provide variability of the distancebetween the stop and the leg to accommodate support structures ofvarying widths. The lateral beam may have registration structures formedalong its length to allow this selective securement of the leg and stopto the lateral beam at different positions. The registration structuresmay be holes formed in the lateral beam and spaced apart from oneanother. The lateral beam may slide within apertures formed in the stopand leg. Locking pins may engage the stop and leg and the apertures inthe lateral beam to fix the position of the stop and leg with respect tothe lateral beam.

Alternative embodiments may position the lateral beam beneath a supportstructure. A spacer may secure a loading structure to the lateral beam,spaced apart therefrom. During normal operation, a support structure maybe positioned between the lateral beam and the support structure. Thespacer may secure at various positions along the lateral beam to furthercapture a support structure between the spacer and portions of the legextending above a lateral beam.

In some modes of operation of a hanger, the hanger is removed from theleg in order to facilitate insertion of the hanger where Frieze blocks,or other roofing materials, hinder its insertion. A removable hanger maybe inserted from the inside of a building with the leg positioned on theoutside. An elongate coupler may secure to the lateral beam and be sizedto fit between a gap between a Frieze block and a support structure.During operation, the coupler may be lowered through the gap and securedto the leg without requiring that the stop and lateral beam pass throughthe gap.

Structures may be provided to facilitate securement of a working surfaceto a scaffold support. A catch may secure at various points along thefoot to secure an edge of the deck to prevent shifting or twisting. Thecatch may slidably secure to the foot and have a lock to fix theposition of the catch relative to the foot. In some embodiments thecatch is a notch positioned to engage a flange, or the like, formingpart of a deck.

An edge of a deck may also be secured by an eye. The eye may have anaperture sized to receive a tether or cable for securing the apparatusagainst theft. A portion of the eye may extend over an edge of a deck(or flange of a beam of the deck) to prevent the edge from rising duringuse. In some embodiments, a scaffold support may be provided with both acatch and an eye. A deck may be positioned between the catch and the eyeto restrain both edges of the deck and prevent shifting, tilting, androtation of the deck. The adjustability of the catch may allow the deckto be laid on the foot and the catch subsequently brought into positionto engage the deck. A second eye may be provided at an upper end of aleg to receive a rope, or the like, for raising and lowering of thescaffold support.

In selected embodiments, a bracket to attach a scaffold support to avertically oriented stud is disclosed in one aspect of the invention asincluding a backing member to contact the back surface of a stud; a pairof side members rigidly connected to the backing member and extendingalong the sides of the stud beyond the front surface of the stud; aconnection mechanism to attach the scaffold support to the side members;and a fastening mechanism to attach the bracket to the stud. In certainembodiments, the fastening mechanism includes offset flanges extendingfrom the side members in substantially opposite directions to precludeinterference between fasteners passing through the flanges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and operation of the present invention will become morefully apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict onlytypical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, the invention may be seen inadditional specificity and detail in the accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scaffold support and working surface,in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway perspective view of a base and climber inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a base inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hanger in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a hanger in operative engagement with supportand roofing structures, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a hanger inoperative engagement with support and roofing structures, in accordancewith the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the hanger of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a removable hanger, in accordance withthe invention;

FIG. 9A is a side view of a removable hanger at one stage of deployment,in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9B is a side view of a removable hanger positioned to secure to ascaffold support in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a scaffold support having an elongatestop in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a scaffold support having a stop forresting on a floor, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a scaffold support in a stowedconfiguration, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a scaffold supportbracket in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing use of the scaffold supportbracket illustrated in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a close-up perspective view showing use of the scaffoldsupport bracket illustrated in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a scaffold support bracket inaccordance with the invention inserted through a sheeted wall;

FIG. 17 is an alternative perspective view of a scaffold support bracketin accordance with the invention inserted through a sheeted wall; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a scaffoldsupport bracket in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

It will be readily understood that the components of the presentinvention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein,could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of differentconfigurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of theembodiments of the system and method of the present invention, is notintended to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the inventionis as broad as claimed herein. The illustrations are merelyrepresentative of certain, presently preferred embodiments of theinvention. Presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be bestunderstood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts aredesignated by like numerals throughout.

Referring to FIG. 1, an apparatus 10 may include one or more scaffoldsupports 12 providing one or more bases 14 for supporting a work surface16. The work surface 16 (or deck 16) may be embodied as a plank orplanks made of wood, aluminum, ferrous alloy, or the like. A vertical(transverse) direction 18 may be defined as extending normal to the worksurface 16. A horizontal (lateral) direction 20 and a longitudinaldirection 22 may also be defined as being parallel to the work surface16 and perpendicular to each other.

A leg 24 may support the base by means of a climber 26. The climber 26may be permanently or removably attached to the base 14. The climber 26may secure to the leg 24 at a number of positions to provide heightadjustability. Height adjustability may enable a work surface 16 to bepositioned suitably for a particular job. Adjustability may also enablescaffold supports 12 to hang on structures of differing heights and yetsupport a level work surface 16. A hanger 34 may transfer the weight ofa scaffold support 12 to a supporting structure such as a window sill orthe top of a wall.

Referring to FIG. 2, the base 14 may be a beam 42 having a substantiallyuniform cross section, such as an ‘I’ beam, box beam, or boxed ‘I’ beamhaving a hollow, square central portion with flanges at the corners. Theclimber 26 may have flanges 44, or other structures capable of bearingloads, secured to the beam 42 and extending beyond the near end 47 ofthe beam 42 a distance 46. The ends 48 of the flanges 44 may support aregistration member 50, or registration members 50, for supportingfixing of the position of the beam 42 with respect to the leg 24.

A cross member 52 may serve as the registration member 50, fitting intoa groove or other receptacle formed on the leg 24. In some embodiments,the cross member 52 may simply provide structural support to preventdistortion or separation of the flanges 44. The registration members 50may be embodied as keys 54 formed, or secured, at the points ofintersection of the flanges 44 with the cross member 52. The keys 54 maybe short sections of square bars welded, or formed monolithically, atthe inside corner of the intersection points. Alternatively, the keys 54may be any protruding structure capable of insertion into acorresponding receptacle.

The leg 24 may be embodied as a beam 56 of substantially uniform crosssection, such as an ‘I’ beam, box beam, or boxed ‘I’ beam. Inembodiments of a beam 56 having an ‘I’ or boxed ‘I’ cross section, thebeam 56 may have flanges 58 extending therealong. The leg 24 may extendthrough an aperture 59 formed by the conjoining of the flanges 44, crossmember 52, and the beam 42. A number of registration structures 60 maybe formed along the beam 56. The registration structures 60 may engagethe registration member 50 secured to the base 14 to provide selectiveheight adjustment. In some embodiments, the registration structures 60may be grooves 62 sized to receive the keys 54. The grooves 62 may beformed in the flanges 58. Alternatively, the grooves 62 could be cutinto a beam 42 without flanges 58, such as a box beam. Boxing rigidizesa beam, and places more material nearer the “outermost fiber” to supportbending loads.

A safety stop 64 may be fixed to the leg 24 and be positioned below theclimber 26 during normal operation of the apparatus 10 in the case ofaccidental disengagement of the registration structures from theregistration members 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the safety stop64 is a metal bar 66, but may be any structure capable of preventingpassage of the climber 26 thereover, such as a post, protruding bolt,bolt head, or the like.

Added safety may result from securing the lower end 67 of the leg 24 topart of a wall to prevent it from swaying or tipping in any way that thehanger 34 may become disengaged from a wall or other support structure.In one embodiment, an aperture 68, or apertures 68, may be provided inthe lower end 67 to receive a nail or other such fastener to secure theleg 24 to a structure forming part of a wall. Other securement means arepossible, such as a rope, zip-tie, chain, cable, rigid hook, or thelike.

Safety regulations in some geographic regions may require thatscaffolding have a rail or bannister. Accordingly, a post mount 70 maysecure to the beam 42 at or near the end 71 and may receive a post 72for supporting a bannister or rail. The post mount 70 may include abracket 74 for attaching to the base of a post 72. The bracket 74 mayhave flanges 76 each having at least one aperture 78 for receiving alocking pin 80 which may extend through both the flanges 76 and the post72 positioned therebetween. Two locking pins 80 may be used to providegreater bearing length and prevent rotation of the post 72.Alternatively, the base of the post 72 may be positioned close enough tothe beam 42 that interference of the post 72 with the beam 42 preventsrotation, and only a single locking pin 80 is needed. Any suitablemechanism for securing the base of a post 72 may be used, such as anaperture formed directly in the beam 42 into which the post 72 inserts.Alternatively, the post 72 may secure permanently to the post mount 70with the post mount 70 being removable from the base 14.

The post mount 70 may include a slide 82 enabling the post mount toslide along the beam 42. The slide 82 may be embodied as an aperture 84,or channel 84, formed in, or secured to, the bracket 74. A lock 86 mayfix the position of the slide 82 relative to the base 14. In someembodiments the lock 86 may be a set screw 88 threaded into an aperture90 formed in the bracket 74. A threaded insert 92 may secure to thebracket 74 to provide greater bearing surface for the threads of the setscrew 88.

A stop 94 may serve to restrain a work surface 16 against certainmovements. For example, a plank 96 may be positioned between the postmount 70 and the stop 94, preventing movement of the plank 96 in thelongitudinal direction 22. The stop 94 may include a catch 98 which maysurround, or extend over, a portion of a work surface 16, such as aflange 102 of a plank 96. In some embodiments, the stop 94 may have aslide 104 slidably secured to the beam 42. The stop 94 may include aflange 106, or pair of flanges 106, with a catch 98 embodied as a notch108, indentation 108, longitudinally extending arm 108, or the like,serving to restrain the edge 102 of a plank 96, or other structuremaking up the work surface 16. In one mode of operation the stop 94 maybe slid away from the post mount 70, the work surface 16 positionedresting on the base 14, and the stop 94 slid toward the work surface 16until the catch 98 is positioned to restrain the work surface 16. Thus,in embodiments where the catch 98 is a notch 108, the edge of a plank 96may be positioned within the notch 108.

The slide 104 may be embodied as a bracket 110 substantially surroundingthe beam 42. The bracket 110 may be formed integrally or monolithicallywith the flange 106 or flanges 106. A lock 112 may fix the position ofthe slide relative to the beam 42. In some embodiments, the lock 112 maybe embodied as a threaded aperture 114 formed in the bracket 110 forreceiving a set screw 116. In some embodiments, the bracket 110 may bemade of relatively thin extruded aluminum. In such a case, a threadedinsert 118 made of brass, or other suitably strong and smooth material(e.g. steel, plastic), may secure to the bracket 110 to receive the setscrew 116 and increase the bearing surface between it and the bracket110.

In some embodiments, the flanges 106 may have an aperture 120 orapertures 120 for stowage of the scaffold support 12. An aperture 120,or apertures 120, may receive a locking pin or the like, which may alsoextend through the leg 24 when positioned parallel to the base 14 forstorage. The apertures 120 may also receive locking pins for securing apost 72 for supporting a rail, bannister, or the like. In still otherembodiments, the post mount 70 may also include a catch 122 such as anotch 124, or the like, to secure the flange 126 of the plank 96.

Referring to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, an eye member 130 (or simplyan eye 130) may be positioned near the far end 71 of the beam 42. Theeye member 130 or fixture 130 may have an aperture 132 extending throughthe fixture 130 as the eye, accessible in a horizontal (lateral)direction 20 relative to the beam 42. The eye member 130 may extend adistance 134 in the longitudinal direction 22, relative to the beam 42,such that it extends over the work surface 16 or a portion of the beamunderlying a working deck. The extension of the eye 130 over the worksurface 16 (or supporting beam thereunder) may resist rotation of thework surface 16.

The aperture 132 of the eye 130 may receive a tether 136, such as achain, cable, or the like. The tether 136 may be part of an anti-theftdevice or a redundant safety system. In some embodiments, two or morescaffold supports 12 may be tethered together through eyes 130. The eyemember 130 may be an eye bolt 130 screwed into, or bolted to, the beam42. Alternatively, the eye 130 may be welded to the beam 42 or securedby another adequately strong means.

Referring to FIG. 4, a hanger 34 may transfer the weight of an apparatus10 to a support structure, such as the top plate of an unfinished wall.Walls may have varying widths. A hanger 34 may need to be adjustable toaccommodate walls of varying widths. Furthermore, the top plate of anunfinished wall is typically near the roof of a building. Accordingly,rafters, soffits, fascia, and Frieze blocks forming the roof mayrestrict the amount of space available to accommodate the hanger 34.

In some embodiments, a hanger may have a lateral support 138 thatsecures to the leg 24 and may rest directly on a support structure suchas the top plate of a wall. The leg 24 may secure to the lateral support138 at a variety of positions to provide adjustability. A stop 140 maysecure to the lateral support 138 to prevent the lateral support 138from slipping off a support structure. The stop 140 may be embodied as ashort beam 141, such as a box beam, ‘I’ beam, or boxed ‘I’ beam.

Various mechanisms are suitable to enable variable positioning of thestop 140 and leg 24 along the lateral support 138. In one embodiment,the leg 24 may have an aperture 142 a formed therein and sized to permitinsertion of the lateral support 138 without excessive play. In someembodiments, the upper end 144 of the beam 56 forming the leg may be cutat an angle 146. The lateral support 138 may extend through an aperture142 a formed in wall 148 a of a beam 56 embodied as a boxed ‘I’ beam 56and through an open ended notch 142 b, or closed aperture 142 b, in wall148 b. Using an open ended notch 142 b enables one to use less precisionin, for example placing a locking aperture 150 a for receiving a lockingpin, inasmuch as it is much easier to establish a line (the lateralsupport 138) through two points (the position of the aperture 142 a andthe position of the locking aperture 150 a) than through three points(the position of the aperture 142 a in the wall 148 a, the position ofthe locking aperture 150 a, and the position of the aperture 142 b inthe wall 148 b).

In some embodiments, the lateral support 138 may be a bar 152 made ofsquare tubular steel, or the like. Any cross section may be suitable forthe bar 152, provided it delivers adequate structural strength. In thehanger 34 of FIG. 4 the bar 152 has at least one surface that may reston a support structure without causing excessive damage. The bar 152 mayhave a number of registration surfaces 154 that can be readily grippedor engaged to fix the location of the bar 152 relative to the leg 24,stop 140, or both. For example, the registration surfaces 154 mayinclude grooves, notches, protruding posts, knobs, or the like. In theillustrated embodiment, the registration surfaces 154 are embodied as aseries of apertures 156 spaced apart along the length of the bar 152.

A lock 158 a may secure the lateral support 138 to the leg 24. The lock158 a may be embodied as a bolt, pin, or other elongate structure with aportion thereof having a uniform cross section. In the illustratedembodiment, the lock 158 a is embodied as a pin 160 a sized to passthrough the locking aperture 150 a in the beam 56 and an apertures 156in the bar 152. The pin 160 a may be held in engagement with the lockingaperture 150 a by any suitable retaining device such as a cotter pin orlynch pin. In the illustrated embodiment, a retaining clip 162 apivotally connected to the head 164 of the pin 160 a retains the pin 160a. The retaining clip 162 a may include an arm 166 extending from thehead 164 toward the end 168 of the pin 160 a. An aperture 170 formed inthe arm 166 may receive the end 168 of the pin 160 a to prevent removalof the pin 16. In some embodiments, the arm 166 may a be pair ofresilient steel wires or clips and the aperture 170 may be formed bybends or punches therein.

In one embodiment, the stop 140 may have an aperture 142 c formed in awall 148 c and sized to permit insertion of the lateral support 138without excessive play. In some embodiments the upper end 165 of thebeam 141 forming the stop 140 may be cut at an angle 146. The lateralsupport 138 may pass through an aperture 142 c in the wall 148 c of abeam 56 embodied as a boxed ‘I’ beam 141 and through an open ended notch142 d, or, in some embodiments, a closed aperture 142 d.

A lock 158 b may secure the lateral support 138 to the stop 140. Thelock 158 b may be embodied as a bolt, pin, or other elongate structurewith a portion thereof having a uniform cross section. In theillustrated embodiment, the lock 158 b is embodied as a pin 160 b sizedto pass through a locking aperture 150 b in the beam 141 and theapertures 156 in the bar 152. The pin 160 b may be held in engagementwith the locking aperture 150 b by any suitable retaining device such asa cotter pin, lynch pin, or quick-release latch. In the illustratedembodiment, a retaining clip 162 b retains the pin 160 b.

Referring to FIG. 5, the adjustability of the stop 140 relative to thelateral support 138 is particularly useful when fitting the hanger 34 toa narrow support structure 172 with a soffit 174, or other suchstructure, forming an obstruction nearby. The lateral support 138 willin some instances be longer than the support structure 172 is wide inorder to accommodate both narrow and wide support structures 172.Adjusting the leg 24 relative to the lateral support 138 will leave aportion of the lateral support 138 that in some instances will interferewith the soffit 174 fitted to overhanging rafters. Accordingly, theposition of the stop 140 on the lateral support 138 may also beadjustable to accommodate walls of varying widths while avoidinginterference with soffits. Making the position of the stop 140adjustable may enable the extra portion 176 of the lateral support 138to protrude away from the soffit 174 and into an unobstructed space.

Referring to FIG. 6, an added obstacle to the placement of a hanger 34may be a Frieze block 178 substantially limiting the open space above asupport structure 172, such as the top of a wall or top plate of a wall.Accordingly the lateral support 138 may be positioned beneath a supportstructure 172 and a separate loading structure 180 such as a bar, hook,or any structure capable of bearing loads, may be used. In theillustrated embodiment, the loading structure 180 may be a bar 182. Aspacer 184 may extend between the loading structure 180 and the lateralsupport 138. The spacer 184 may provide space for a support structure172 between the loading structure 180 and the lateral support 138.

Referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the spacer 184 may be a plate186, or plates 186 secured to both the lateral support 138 and theloading structure 180. In embodiments having two plates 186, the plates186 may be placed on opposite sides of the loading structure 180. Theplates 186 may have apertures 188 at their upper ends 190. The apertures188 may receive bolts, welds, locking pins, or the like which may alsopass through apertures 192 formed in the bar 182. In the illustratedembodiment, bolts 194 are used to secure the plates 186 to the bar 182.Locking pins held in place by cotter pins, retaining clips, or the like,may also be used to provide ready separation of the plates 186 from thebar 182.

The lower end 196 of the plates 186 may secure to the lateral support138 by means of bolts, locking pins, welds, or the like. In theillustrated embodiment, the lower ends 196 of the plates 186 secure tothe lateral support 138 by means of a lock 197. The lock 197 may eitherpermanently, substantially permanently, or removably secure the lateralsupport 138 to the spacer 184. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock197 is a locking pin 198 which may be held in place by lynch pins,cotter pins, retaining clips, or the like. The use of readily removablelocking pins 198 may enable the distance between the spacer 184 and theleg 24 to be adjustable. In this manner the upper end 144 of the leg 24extending above the lateral support 138 may be positioned near supportstructures of varying widths to serve as a stop 140, capturing a supportstructure 172 between itself and the spacer 184. Such adjustability mayalso be achieved by selective positioning of the leg 24 relative to thelateral support 138.

Alternatively, the spacer 184 and the loading structure 180 may bemonolithically formed together or integrally or fixedly secured to oneanother. The spacer 184 may likewise be either integrally,monolithically, or fixedly secured to the lateral support 138.

Referring to FIG. 8, other embodiments for the hanger 34 may accommodatea Frieze block 178. For example, the stop 140 and the lateral support138 may be monolithically, or integrally formed. A coupler 199 may bemonolithically or integrally formed with the stop 140 and lateralsupport 138 to selectively secure the hanger 34 to the leg 24. The stop140, lateral support 138, and coupler 199 may secure to one another bybolts, welds, pins, or any other suitably strong and tough fasteningmeans.

In some embodiments, the stop 140, lateral support 138, and coupler 199may be made of a strap of aluminum, steel, or other suitably resilientmaterial, bent or formed in the shape of an inverted ‘J.’ The thickness200 of the strap may be chosen to provide adequate stiffness andstrength.

The coupler 199 may removably secure to the leg 24 by any suitablemeans. A removable hanger 34 may facilitate placement of a scaffoldsupport 12 on top plates proximate Frieze blocks and the like.Removability may enable the hanger 34 to be inserted by approaching atop wall plate from either side. That is, the hanger 34 may be insertedinto a gap between a Frieze block 178 and a support structure 172 frominside a building or from outside a building.

In the illustrated embodiment, a post 201 having a wide head 202 issecured to, or formed in the coupler 199. Multiple posts 201 may beformed on the coupler 199 to provide strength and stability. The posts201 may engage slots 204 formed in the leg 24. The slots 204 may have awidened portion 206 to accommodate the insertion of the head 202. A post200 may then be slid into engagement with a narrowed portion 208 wherethe head 202 will prevent removal of the post 200 from the slot 204 whensubject to forces in the longitudinal direction 22.

Various alternative means are available to secure the hanger 34 to theleg 24. In some embodiments, the coupler 199 may include a hook 210,which may engage an aperture formed in the leg 24. In some embodiments,the hook 210 may be sized to engage an aperture 142 a. In this manner, aleg 24 may engage both a coupler 199 and a lateral support 138 embodiedas a bar 148. Alternatively, the hook 210 may engage an sleeve 212 orother receptacle formed on the leg 24 for engagement therewith ofmaterials suitably strong to support the weight of the scaffold support12 and any loads.

An aperture 214 may be provided in the stop 140 to secure the hanger 34to a support structure 172. A nail, screw, or other fastener, may bedriven through the aperture 214 into a support structure. Alternatively,a tie down or other fastener may pass through the aperture 214 andengage a support structure 172. Securing the stop 140 to a supportstructure may enable the corners 216, 218 of the hanger 34 to be hingedto facilitate insertion of the hanger 34 between a support structure 172and a Frieze block 178, inasmuch as a nail or other fastener preventsremoval of the hanger 34, rather than any reliance on the stiffness ofthe hanger 34 for that function.

Referring to FIG. 9A, a method for using a hanger 34 may includepositioning the hanger 34 as shown with the coupler 199 parallel to asupport structure 172. The coupler 199 may then be rotated down andbetween a Frieze block 178 and a support structure 172 as shown in FIG.9B. A leg 24 may then secure to the coupler 199.

Referring to FIG. 10, in some instances scaffolding is needed to performrepairs and improvements on finished walls where most points from whicha scaffold support 12 might hang have been covered by finishingmaterials such as siding, a soffit, or the like. In such instances, ascaffold support 12 may secure to a window sill or the like. Securementto a window sill may present its own difficulties. For example, restinga lateral support 138 on a sill may damage metal frames, wood casings,paint or other finishes. Furthermore, a window sill will not have arafter, Frieze block, or the like to resist accidental lifting of thehanger 34 therefrom.

Accordingly, the length 222 of the stop 140 may increase. The increasedlength 222 may prevent accidental removal, inasmuch as the scaffoldsupport 12 would need to be lifted an improbable distance in order forit to tip off a window sill or the like. The increased length 222 mayalso make the stop 140 a more effective leveling arm. A nail driventhrough an aperture 214 may therefore have sufficient leverage toprevent the leg 24 from contacting finished siding on the outside of abuilding.

A pad 226 may be positioned between the lateral support 138 and a windowsill to reduce or prevent cosmetic damage to the sill. A pad 228 may bepositioned between the leg 24 and a wall to prevent cosmetic damage ofsiding or the like. The pads 226, 228 may be fixedly or removablyattached to the lateral support 138 and leg 24. Alternatively, theweight of the lateral support 138 and leg 24 may maintain thepositioning of the pads 226, 228. The pads 226, 228 may be made ofrubber, leather, natural or synthetic woven fabric, expended polymerfoams, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 11, in some uses of the apparatus 10, it may beimpractical to drive a nail into a wall through an aperture 214. Forexample, an interior wall may be finished and likely to suffer cosmeticdamage from driving a nail therethrough. Accordingly the length 222 maybe further lengthened such that the stop 140 rests on the floor of astructure. The stop 140 may therefore serve as a stand 140 forsupporting the scaffold support 12. A foot 230 may secure to the end ofthe stop 140 to provide a greater bearing surface resting on a floor inorder to prevent damage, tipping, or other degrees of motion. A foot 230may be a bar, tab, crossbar, flat plate, or the like made of metal,plastic, rubber, wood, or the like. The foot 230 may also be a rubbercap fit over the end of a stop 140. An aperture 232, or other suchstructure may be provided in a foot 230 to receive a fastener, such as anail, for securing the foot 230 to a floor to resist the scaffoldsupport 12 tipping, rocking, or sliding, and striking a finishedexterior wall. Inasmuch as interior floors may be carpeted, driving anail or screw into a floor may not cause cosmetic damage. In someembodiments the foot 230 may removably secure to the stop 140 so that ascaffold support 12 may be used in situations where a foot 230 is notnecessary and is an obstruction. In some embodiments, a crossbeam fittedto padding may connect to, or even form, the connection to the lateralbeam from which the leg suspends. Thus stability and protection may beprovided at a window sill.

The distance between a window sill and a floor may vary with the size ofthe window and other design parameters. Accordingly, the length 222 maybe adjustable to accommodate varying sill heights. An extension 236 mayadjustably secure to the stop 140. In some embodiments, the extension236 may have a series of registration structures 238 formed in, orsecured to, the extension 236. The registration structures 238 mayprovide a surface or structure that may be gripped, or otherwiseengaged, to fix the position of the extension 236 relative to the stop140. In some embodiments, the registration structures 238 may be aseries of apertures 240 formed in a beam 242 forming the extension 236.The beam 242 may be a box beam, ‘I’ beam, boxed ‘I’ beam, or the like.

A lock 244 may engage the registration structures 238. In someembodiments, the extension 236 may slide within the beam 141 forming thestop 140. The lock 244 may then be a pin 246, or the like, passingthrough an aperture 248 in the beam 141 and through one of the apertures240. A retaining clip 162 c, lynch pin, cotter pin, or the like mayprevent removal of the pin 246.

Other structures may be used to provide an adjustable stop 140, or stand30. For example the registration structures 238 may be formed on thestop 140 and the extension 236 secured at various positions along thestop 140. The apertures 248 may be replaced or augmented by grooves,posts, or other protruding structures.

A further improvement of a scaffold support 12 may be an eye 250 securedto the leg 24 to facilitate lowering of the apparatus 10. The eye 250may be an eye bolt 252 having an aperture 254 formed therein to receivea rope, cable, tether, or the like. Alternatively, an aperture 254 maybe formed in, or the eye bolt 252 secured to, the leg 24, lateralsupport 138, or stop 140.

Referring to FIG. 12, a scaffold support 12 may have both deployed andstowed configurations. A deployed scaffold support 12 may be in aconfiguration suitable for bearing a plank 96 and hanging on a wallstructure, or the like. A stowed scaffold support 12 may position thecomponents of the scaffold support 12 in a more compact configurationfor easier stowage and transportation. A lock 248 may fix the componentsof the scaffold 12 in their stowed configuration.

The base 14 may be positioned to lie along the leg 24 with the flanges106 of the stop 94 extending around the leg 24. The lock 248 may beformed by a locking pin 250 extending through apertures 110 formed ineither flange 106 of a stop 94 and through an aperture formed in the leg24. Alternatively, the lock 248 may be embodied as a locking pin 250extending through apertures 78 in either flange 76 of the post mount 70.A portion of the lateral support 138 may be inserted into the stop 140and locked in place using the lock 158 b in embodiments of a stop 140having a beam 141 which is a box beam or boxed ‘I’ beam providing acavity for that purpose. A portion of the lateral support 138 may beinserted in the leg 24 and locked in place using a lock 158 a for legs24 having a beam 56 embodied as a box beam or boxed ‘I’ beam providing acavity for that purpose. Of course, given the elongate shape of thecomponents forming the scaffold support 12, various methods may be usedto secure them to one another to form a single elongate assembly forready storage and transport, such as tethers or brackets usedexclusively to bind the scaffold support 12 in a stowed position.

Referring to FIG. 13, the majority of hanging scaffold systems aredesigned to hang from a structure, such as a top or header of a wall, ora window sill. Nevertheless, there is often a need to attach hangingscaffolds from other positions on a wall, either because of the natureof the task to be performed from the scaffold or due to inaccessibilityof the wall header or a window sill.

Furthermore, there is also a need to attach hanging scaffolds at variouspositions along a wall after the wall is sheeted (e.g., covered withsheathing or structural panels). Some attempts have been made to providebrackets or mechanisms that would allow hanging scaffold systems to beattached at various positions along a wall, but their deficiencies haveincluded difficult installation, excessive and invasive use of fastenersto the point of weakening a stud, and inability to be used with sheetedwalls. Thus, apparatus and methods are needed to enable hangingscaffolds to be attached at various positions along a wall when a wallheader, window sill, or other structure is not conveniently accessible.

Accordingly, a bracket 260 in accordance with the invention is suitablefor hanging scaffolds at various points along an open or sheeted wall.The bracket 260 may include a backing member 262 to contact the backsurface of a substantially vertical stud or other structure. A firstside member 264, connected to the backing member 262, extends along oneface or side of the stud. A second side member 266, connected to thebacking member 262, extends along the opposite face or side of the stud,such that the two side members 264, 266 straddle the stud. Ideally, thebracket 260 is constructed by forming or bending a sheet material, butcould also be made by welding or fastening multiple pieces together.

The bracket 260 may include a connection mechanism 268 from which tohang or connect a scaffold support. For example, in one embodiment, theconnection mechanism 268 may be provided with apertures 270 formed inthe side members 264, 266 to accept a pin, bolt, bracket, latch, dog,protrusion, bayonet, or other fastener to retain a scaffold support, aswill be explained in more detail hereafter. These apertures 270 may bespaced at various locations along the first and second side members 264,266 to accommodate studs of different dimensions and to allow thescaffold support to be attached to the bracket 260 as close to the studas possible. For example, a first set of apertures 270 a may receivefasteners (e.g., bolts, pins, etc.) to connect scaffold supports to thebracket 260 when placed on a two-by-four stud, while a second set ofapertures 270 b may receive fasteners to connect scaffold supports tothe bracket 260 when placed on a two-by-six stud.

The bracket 260 may also include a fastening mechanism 272 to attach thebracket 260 to a stud. For example, in certain embodiments, a fasteningmechanism 272 (e.g., a flange or extension) may be provided with one ormore apertures 274 to accept fasteners such as nails, screws, or thelike to attach the bracket 260 to a stud. In certain embodiments, theside members 264, 266 may include offset flanges 276 a, 276 b to allownails or screws to pass completely through a stud without contacting thebracket 260.

For example, the first side member 264 may include a flange 276 aextending in an upward direction while a second side member 266 mayinclude a flange 276 b extending in a downward direction. When nails orscrews are driven into one side of a stud through these flanges 276 a,276 b, the nails or screws may exit an opposite face of the stud withoutobstruction or contact by the bracket 260 and without interfering witheach other. The offset flanges 276 a, 276 b may enable a worker toquickly attach a bracket 260 to a stud using standard carpentry nails orscrews. When a worker desires to remove the bracket 260 from a stud, theworker simply removes the screws or drives the nails in the oppositedirection.

Referring to FIG. 14, in use, the brackets 260 may be inserted andsecured to substantially vertical studs 278 using screws, nails, orother suitable fasteners. Scaffold supports 280 may then be connected tothe brackets 260 by way of the connection mechanisms 268. The scaffoldsupports 280 may be used to support a platform 282 to carry buildingmaterials, tools, and workers. Although the brackets 260 areparticularly useful to connect hanging scaffold systems at any desiredposition along a wall 283, the bracket 260 may provide a safe and secureconnection to virtually any type of scaffold support, whether hanging ornot and whether of Applicant's design or not.

Referring to FIG. 15, in practice, a bracket 260 in accordance with theinvention may be inserted over a stud 278 until the backing member 262contacts the stud 278. Once inserted, one or more fasteners 284 such asnails 284, screws 284, or the like may be driven into the stud 278through the offset flanges 276 a, 276 b. These nails 284 or screws 284in shear support the vertical load applied to the scaffold connectionmechanism 268. Scaffold supports 280 may be connected to the bracket 260with a fastener 286, such as a bracket, adapter, pin, or bolt, insertedthrough the apertures 270 in the side members 264, 266. This fastener286 may also be inserted through the scaffold support 280.

In selected embodiments, the vertical load of the scaffold support 280is transferred to the bracket 260 by a bearing surface 288. The bearingsurface 288 may rest on the side members 264, 266 of the bracket 260 ata point very close to the stud 278. This reduces the bending stress inthe bracket 260 by reducing the effective cantilever. This also reducesany tendency to deflect or buckle laterally toward or away from any faceof the stud 278. Thus, the fastener 286, rather than supporting the loadof the scaffold support 280, may simply secure the scaffold support 280to the bracket 260.

It is worth noting that although the illustrated embodiments use afastener 286, such as a pin or bolt, to connect the scaffold support 280to the bracket 260, the bracket 260 may be used with other types ofscaffold systems simply by creating a suitable adapter. That is, anadapter may be used to connect the bracket 260 to almost any type ofscaffold system, depending on the type of connection used by thescaffold system. Due to the wide variety of scaffold systems available,such an adapter may take on any one of many different forms as needed toadapt to both the scaffold structure and the bracket 260.

One advantage of the bracket 260 illustrated herein is that the pullingforce exerted by the scaffold support 280 is resisted by the bracket260, and not just by fasteners attaching the bracket 260 to the stud278. More particularly, the backing member 262 in combination with theside members 264, 266 prevents the scaffold support 280 from pullingaway from the stud 278. Previous attempts to produce scaffold supportbrackets have often relied on the pullout resistance of fasteners, suchas nails or screws, the holding power of which presents a greaterunknown, and hence a greater safety risk. Moreover, thickness of themetal or other material of the bracket 260 and its bearing lengthvertically can be designed to support virtually any load requirement.

Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, in the event that a wall 283 issheeted, small slits may be cut in the wall sheet 290 on either side ofa stud 278 so that the side members 264, 266 may be inserted through thewall sheet 290 (e.g., sheathing, shear plate, or the like). A worker maythen secure the bracket 260 to the stud 278 with nails 284, screws 284,or other fasteners 284 as described previously. Thus, the brackets 260may be used with a sheeted wall 283 with minimal material removal. Thus,structural integrity is substantially unaffected for all purposes,including stiffness, strength, and siding support perpendicular to thesheet. The spaced apertures 270 in the bracket 260 (described in FIG.13) may be used to install scaffold supports 280 over sheet materials290 of various thicknesses. Additionally, custom brackets for specialwall thicknesses may be produced utilizing the same principles.

Referring to FIG. 18, one alternative embodiment of a bracket 260 inaccordance with the invention may include support flanges 292. Thesesupport flanges 292 may rest on support blocks 294 fastened (e.g.,nailed, screwed, etc.) to the stud 278 on one or both sides of thebracket 260. In this embodiment, a substantial portion of the verticalload of the scaffold support 280 is carried by the support blocks 294rather than nails 284 or screws 284 as described with respect to FIGS.13 through 17. In selected embodiments, a nail 284 may be installed inthe backing member 262 of the bracket 260 to prevent pulling away fromthe stud 278. One advantage of this embodiment is that the supportblocks 294 may be left in place after use and the bracket 260 may beremoved simply by removing a single stabilizing nail 284 or screw 284.This bracket 260 may retain and support a scaffold support 280 in thesame manner described previously.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its basic functions or essential characteristics. Thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by theforegoing description. All changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope.

1. A bracket to attach a scaffold support to a substantially verticallyoriented stud, the stud having a back surface, a front surface facingthe scaffold support, and first and second side surfaces, the bracketcomprising: a backing member to contact the back surface of the stud; afirst side member secured to and extending from the backing member alongthe first side of the stud to a point beyond the front surface of thestud; a second side member secured to and extending from the backingmember along the second side of the stud to a point beyond the frontsurface of the stud; a connection mechanism to attach the scaffoldsupport to at least one of the first and second side members; and afastening mechanism to attach the bracket to the stud.
 2. The bracket ofclaim 1, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a first flangeextending from the first side member in a first direction and a secondflange extending from the second side member in a second directionsubstantially opposite the first direction, the first and second flangesbeing offset vertically from one another to preclude interferencebetween fasteners passing therethrough.
 3. The bracket of claim 2,wherein the first and second flanges are provided with apertures toaccept at least one of nails and screws therethrough to fasten theflanges to the stud.
 4. The bracket of claim 1, wherein the connectionmechanism is provided with apertures, in the first and second sidemembers, sized to receive a fastener connecting the scaffold support toat least one of the first and second side members.
 5. The bracket ofclaim 1, wherein the backing member, first side member, and second sidemember are integrally formed.
 6. The bracket of claim 1, wherein thebacking member, first side member, and second side member are separatecomponents.
 7. The bracket of claim 1, wherein the first and second sidemembers are sized to accommodate studs of varying dimensions.
 8. Thebracket of claim 1, wherein the connection mechanism is located atvarious points along the first and second side members to accommodatestuds of varying dimensions.
 9. The bracket of claim 1, furthercomprising a support flange, connected to at least one of the first andsecond side members, to rest on a support block fastened to the stud.10. The bracket of claim 1, wherein the scaffold support comprises abearing surface to rest on the first and second side members.
 11. Anassembly comprising: a stud having a substantially vertical orientation,the stud comprising a back surface, a front surface, and first andsecond side surfaces; a bracket fastened to the stud, the bracketcomprising: a backing member contacting the back surface of the stud; afirst side member secured to and extending from the backing member alongthe first side of the stud to a point beyond the front surface of thestud; and a second side member secured to and extending from the backingmember along the second side of the stud to a point beyond the frontsurface of the stud; and a scaffold support connected to at least one ofthe first and second side members.
 12. The assembly of claim 11, whereinthe scaffold support rests on at least one of the first and second sidemembers.
 13. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the scaffold supporthangs from at least one of the first and second side members.
 14. Anassembly comprising: a stud having a substantially vertical orientation,the stud comprising a back surface, a front surface, and first andsecond side surfaces; a sheet material attached to the front surface ofthe stud; a bracket fastened to the stud, the bracket comprising: abacking member contacting the back surface of the stud; a first sidemember secured to and extending from the backing member along the firstside of the stud through an opening in the sheet material to a pointbeyond the front surface of the stud; and a second side member securedto and extending from the backing member along the second side of thestud through an opening in the sheet material to a point beyond thefront surface of the stud; and a scaffold support connected to at leastone of the first and second side members.
 15. The assembly of claim 14,wherein the scaffold support rests on at least one of the first andsecond side members.
 16. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the scaffoldsupport hangs from at least one of the first and second side members.17. A method to attach a scaffold support to a vertically oriented stud,the stud having a back surface, a front surface facing the scaffoldsupport, and two side surfaces, the method comprising: providing abracket comprising: a backing member to contact the back surface of thestud; a first side member secured to and extending from the backingmember along the first side of the stud to a point beyond the frontsurface of the stud; and a second side member secured to and extendingfrom the backing member along the second side of the stud to a pointbeyond the front surface of the stud; and fastening the bracket to thestud; and connecting the scaffold support to at least one of the firstand second side members.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein fasteningfurther comprises at least one of nailing and screwing the bracket tothe stud.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein fastening furthercomprises inserting the first and second side members through openingsin a sheet material attached to the front surface of the stud.
 20. Themethod of claim 17, wherein connecting further comprises inserting afastener through apertures in the first and second side members toconnect the scaffold support to the first and second side members